240 50 cycle used in US, 60 cycle

pinkoOctober 2, 2011

I am looking for a cheap way to bring induction to a small cabin I use in rural Vermont. I am a frequent traveler to China and see fine looking induction units for a fraction of the US cost (I know the perils of no UL certification, but have a good guide in China to separate the wheat from the chaff.) But I haven't been able to ascertain, despite a fair amount of searching, what the affect of using the 50 cycle equipment in a 60 cycle environment. Most advice says if you have a motor to run, it is a no go. Electronics appear to be OK, what do I have with an induction cooktop?

Your state may be different, but in NC, the state law requires all electrical equipment sold or used in the state to be listed or labeled by a recognized testing laboratory. Not much way to enforce it unless they find such for sale on the shelves of a store.

Have you shopped ebaY for bargains on cooktops? I have seen quite a few 60 Hz models manufactured for the US market. It is hard to believe that you can ship stuff over for less unless you are already bringing containers over for another reason.

My mother was gifted (by some Italians) one of the early Pastmatics before they were available in the US. It ran fine but tended to overheat and shutdown probably more than it should if it were on the right line frequency.